Regional Headlines

3:56 pm

Mon February 22, 2010

Coal Barge wrecks in Ohio River

Wickliffe, KY – Officials have reopened the Cairo Bridge on the Ohio River between Wickliffe and Cairo after a barge transport hit the bridge. A motor vessel towing 27 barges struck a pier on the bridge early this afternoon. US Coast Guard Lieutenant Duane Lemmon says two empty barges sank into the water and two were set adrift. US Coast Guard officers are interviewing the tow crew. Lemmon says they are also administering alcohol tests. An alert has been issued to all boats traveling that way to steer clear of the sunken barges. The bridge was closed to traffic for nearly two hours while an inspector checked for damage.